Preparation is important in all walks of life. To use an old and true adage … Plan the work and work the plan. Planning begins early in our life as we prepare for our future.
What are our goals regarding?
- Obeying and listening to our parents’ instruction as children regarding their experiences.
- Preparation for school.
- Who do we choose as our friends and how are they best selected?
- What am I comfortable doing based on my knowledge and experiences, and how will that influence my choice of a vocation later in life?
- If I decide to further my education, where will I go for college instruction, and how will I prepare to be accepted?
- How will I prepare to best serve God?
We all make choices regarding these and other goals and objectives, and a great deal of preparation is involved in order to make wise decisions.
The scriptures give us guidance regarding preparation in Matthew 25 beginning in verse 1. In this passage, Jesus shares the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Here, the kingdom of heaven is described as being comparable to ten virgins (5 wise and 5 foolish) who went out to meet the bridegroom. Those who were prepared were wise and took extra oil for their lamps to the wedding feast, but the foolish came unprepared and did not. The bridegroom came while those who did not take extra oil were away to purchase more, the doors were shut, and they were not allowed in.
Let’s review a few more scriptures along these same lines …
- The apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 – But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
- Again, the apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 5:8 – Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
- Finally, the apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10 and 11 – To be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God so you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
In summary, we see the importance of being prepared. As we continue to do God’s will and grow in our faith and knowledge of His word … let’s remember to be alert, ready, and put on the full armor of God so we will be prepared to stand against the schemes of the devil; and stand up for God, Jesus, and the Word of God in our lives as Christians.
